Frugal Friday: Save Money on Utilities

Save Money on Utilities

• Keep the lights off during the day.
• Line dry clothes outside when it’s warm and sunny.
• Line dry clothes by setting dryer racks over heater vents. Use your shower rod if you need even more room.
• Let dishes air dry after running them through the dishwasher.
• Cancel the cable.
• Don’t use hot water in the summer.
• Consider a family plan for cell phones.
• Use CFL bulbs.
• Turn down the thermostat.
• Don’t run the heater at night.
• Open windows on summer nights to cool down the house.
• Use a fan.
• Get rid of your land line and use your cell phone.
• Take short showers.
• Insulate your water pipes.
• Install low flow showerheads and aerators on all faucets.
• If you live in an apartment, see if you can split the cost of a wireless connection with your neighbors. But make sure it’s legal first.
• Turn off the PC if you won’t be using it for an hour or more.
• Use nightlights that only come on when it’s dark.
• Use nightlights in the bathroom, so if you have to use the bathroom at night, you don’t have to turn on the light.
• Keep the freezer full. If you have to, put milk jugs filled with water in the freezer. It’s less expensive to keep a full freezer cold than an empty one.
• Never leave the water running when rinsing dishes, brushing teeth, etc. Only use the water you need.
• Have your young children shower with you, instead of giving them separate baths.